Winter events
Crisp day, cosy fireside nights and plenty to pack in during the festive season…
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Christmas cheer?
The festive season is celebrated with enthusiasm right across Ireland from the biggest cities to small pretty villages, but the Christmas in Killarney Festival is a truly magical experience. The month-long series of events is packed with phenomenal entertainment for all the family with musicals, parades, ice-skating and, of course, big old jolly Santa!
What about Christmas markets?
Make sure to check out the The Youghal Christmas Festival in County Cork. Oh, and Ireland has its own Lapland, too. Throughout December the much-loved Glendeer Farm , which lies West of Athlone, is transformed into Ireland’s Lapland with Santa and his live reindeers “Dancer” and “Prancer” as special guests. It's hard to beat the buzz on the streets and in Dublin and Belfast over Christmas and both have fantastic Christmas markets right in the city centre.
What about the Christmas panto?
Children all over Ireland spend December and January roaring ‘he’s behind you!’ at Christmas pantos. The Gaiety Panto in Dublin is the most famous, but there are excellent pantos also in Limerick, Cork, Belfast and Galway as well as smaller towns and villages. Another great place for kids during the long month of January is Choowawaa Children’s Arts Festival at the West Cork Arts Centre. There’s an exhibition, workshop activities, performances and interactive installations highlighting the quality and the uniqueness of Irish based artists and performers.
What about literary events and arts festivals?
The arts festival continues right through the winter months with a wide variety of smaller events that light up the long days of January and February. Make sure not to miss the Yeats Winter School in January in Sligo Town; Limerick’s annual fringe performance festival, unFringed; Tipperariana Book Fair in February; the North Cork Drama Festival; and the high-profile Dublin International Film Festival.
Ireland Christmas Gift Vouchers
Looking for a special gift for friends or family? How about getting them a holiday to Ireland? Who wouldn't love a few rejuvenating days at this time of year spent in a cosy B&B, or a luxury Spa or a fashionable city hotel? Or if you know you're friends are planning a trip over to see us, why not get them a voucher for a special meal? We've created a one-stop voucher shop so it couldn't be easier for you.
